McDermitt Drilling Yields Up to 1951 ppm Lithium and 6.27% Magnesium
Jindalee Lithium has reported robust assay results from its 2025 core drilling program at the McDermitt Lithium Project, highlighting significant near-surface lithium and magnesium mineralisation. These findings support ongoing metallurgical testwork and feasibility studies aimed at optimising project economics.
- Five PQ3 core holes drilled with strong lithium and magnesium intercepts
- Three core holes twinned previous reverse circulation drilling confirming data consistency
- Shallow mineralisation with lithium grades up to 1951 ppm and magnesium up to 6.27%
- Metallurgical testwork underway to enhance lithium recovery and explore magnesium by-products
- Feasibility study preparations progressing for this large US lithium deposit
Strong Assay Results from 2025 Core Drilling
Jindalee Lithium Limited has unveiled encouraging assay results from its recently completed 2025 core drilling program at the McDermitt Lithium Project in the United States. The program, which involved five large-diameter PQ3 core holes, targeted both lithium and magnesium mineralisation near the surface, confirming the deposit’s significant potential.
The drilling returned impressive intercepts, including a standout 36.5 metres at 1951 ppm lithium and 5.23% magnesium from 24.5 metres depth, and a 110.6-metre intercept averaging 1519 ppm lithium and 4.8% magnesium. These results reinforce McDermitt’s status as one of the largest lithium deposits in the US and a project of global significance.
Correlation with Previous Drilling and Data Integrity
Importantly, three of the core holes were drilled to twin earlier reverse circulation holes completed in 2021 and 2022. The assays from these twinned holes showed good correlation, validating the reliability of previous data and providing confidence in the geological continuity of the deposit. This consistency will aid Jindalee’s ongoing geostatistical analysis to refine resource estimates and optimise future drilling strategies.
Metallurgical Testwork and Project Economics
Jindalee is advancing metallurgical testwork using the high-quality core samples obtained, aiming to improve lithium recoveries and assess the potential for valuable magnesium by-products. The presence of significant magnesium concentrations presents an opportunity to enhance the project’s economic profile, potentially generating additional revenue streams alongside lithium production.
These efforts align with the company’s broader strategy to develop McDermitt as a long-life, low-cost lithium producer, supporting domestic supply chains in the US amid growing demand for critical minerals.
Looking Ahead – Feasibility and Further Drilling
Following these positive results, Jindalee plans to continue infill drilling in the second half of 2026 to further delineate the resource. Concurrently, the company is progressing its feasibility study, which will incorporate the latest geological and metallurgical data to define the project’s development pathway.
With strong engagement from US government agencies, including the Department of Energy, McDermitt is well positioned to play a key role in the North American lithium supply chain, a critical component for the burgeoning electric vehicle and battery markets.
Bottom Line?
Jindalee’s latest drilling success at McDermitt sets the stage for advancing feasibility and unlocking value from both lithium and magnesium.
Questions in the middle?
- How will metallurgical testwork outcomes influence lithium recovery rates and project costs?
- What is the potential scale and value of magnesium by-products in the overall project economics?
- When can investors expect updated resource estimates and definitive production targets?
